Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (Credit: Reuters)
Palestinian President Abbas issues constitutional declaration on presidential succession
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- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a new constitutional declaration.
- It outlines procedures if the presidency becomes vacant.
- The Vice President of the PLO will temporarily assume presidential duties.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday issued a constitutional declaration specifying procedures for a temporary transfer of power in the event of a vacancy in the presidency, Palestinian WAFA news agency reported.
The declaration states, “In the event of a vacancy in the office of the President of the Palestinian Authority, and in the absence of the Palestine Legislative Council, the Vice President of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), also the Vice President of the State of Palestine, will temporarily assume the duties of the President for a period not exceeding 90 days.”
During this interim period, elections are required to select a new president. If elections cannot be held within that timeframe, the period may be extended once by a decision of the Palestinian Central Council.
Abbas emphasized that the declaration is intended “to protect the Palestinian political system, safeguard our homeland, ensure its security, and preserve its constitutional institutions” in case of a presidential vacancy.
He added, “We have issued this constitutional declaration to affirm the principle of the separation of powers and the peaceful transfer of power through free and fair elections.”
The new declaration officially revokes a previous 2024 decree, updating the rules governing succession and temporary leadership within the Palestinian Authority.
